Monday, September 19, 2016

A Victorian Honeymoon

A friend told me the word "honeymoon" comes from a time when newlyweds would spend a whole month (or moon cycle) together on their honeymoon.


Is this true? If so, we really should make that a standard again! 


Welcome to our honeymoon in beautiful and romantic Victoria! 




Victoria is on Vancouver Island, which is on the west coast of Canada, and it's the capital of the province, British Columbia.




We thought Victoria would be the perfect blend of both of our styles. Its rugged Pacific northwest coast appeals to my husband, and the romance and European influence captures my heart. 


 
There's so much to do and see in this beautiful city. Victoria is famous for its gardens, and in the summer, the streets are adorned with hanging flower baskets. 



We visited the famous Butchart Gardens. 





After exploring the gardens, we had a gourmet picnic dinner and watched the fireworks together. The forest backdrop made the firework show especially unique. 


We took a horse carriage ride (something I've been wanting to do for a long time!), and we learned about Victoria's history. 



We had tea time at the famous (and VERY pricey!) Empress Hotel. (But it was worth it. :-)





We went whale watching and saw orcas while the sun was setting. 




And after all the work and time spent planning a wedding, I made sure we had time to just relax and enjoy each other's company. Our hotel upgraded us to a fancy suite on our last day. The room was amazing and we had the best view of the Inner Harbour!  
(The Union Club of British Columbia...we loved our hotel!)





I hope you enjoyed a peek into our honeymoon. I think we should take another honeymoon next year...and the year after that...until we get our full moon cycle of honeymoons. ;-)


~Jess 
  

30 comments:

R's Rue said...

Love.

Susan said...

Oh my GOODNESS. What a fabulous honeymoon. This will be a time that you will treasure FOREVER. What incredible experiences you are both having. Oh, it looks so glorious! (Don't you just love that word----glorious? Don't hear it much anymore. ha ha) I would end by saying "Have a wonderful time" but I know you are already doing that. So happy for you both! Susan

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

How lovely to enjoy your honeymoon in Victoria! It's such a lovely place and your photos are outstanding! The orca photos are just amazing. I'm so glad you visited Buchart Gardens, it's such a magical place. Your last photo tells it all! Happy days to you and your husband. ♥

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

What a beautiful place to go for your honeymoon, Victoria ♥ My husband and I went about 35 years ago, it seems like just yesterday. It was gorgeous then and now it looks even better! Thanks so much for sharing alI your amazing photos, I really enjoyed them all, especially the Buchart Gardens and the orca whales! Wishing you and your husband many more fantastic trips together. Memories last forever ♥
Hugs, Jody

It's me said...

❤️❤️❤️ Love Ria

Jeanie said...

Incredibly beautiful and romantic. What a wonderful spot to begin your new life together.

Stephanie said...

Oh my, what a glorious honeymoon! Everything is simpy lovely and oh-so-romantic! Thank you for sharing with us :)

Hugs!

Holly said...

What a dream, my husband and I are celebrating our 14th Wedding Anniversary next month and we still haven't had a honeymoon yet.

Susie said...

Jess, I love how you planned out your honeymoon. That is a beautiful city. Yes, by all means squeeze in another honeymoon next year. My grandson and his bride went to Maui, then on their first anniversary they went to Italy. Live while you are young sweet ones. Jess, don't forget your mommy...I think she's crazy for you kids and might miss you lots. Blessings in your new life...always be kind to each other. xoxo, Susie

Karen said...

Incredibly beautiful. So much to see, you could have truly stayed for a month. Hope you can go back.

Josephine said...

Ohhhhh PRACHTIG!!!!

Wat een geweldige locatie voor een huwelijk.
De foto's zijn fantastisch mooi en geven goed
de sfeer van deze speciale gebeurtenis weer.

Heel romantisch allemaal, heel veel geluk!!!

Lieve groetjes,
Josephine

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Jess, you are making me want to GO THERE! You got some sensational shots and what great memories you are going to have in 35 years, like me and my husband! Lovely place. ENJOY!

Attic Clutter said...

Beautiful Vancouver Island..
fun ..How are you Sheri..
...you commented...having a pumpkin loaf with my coffee..
yummm
hugs,patty

Doodle T said...

Love your photos - truly a lovely Honeymoon. Congratulations!

Summer said...

Congrats to you and your hubby☺ Your honeymoon looks and sounds wonderful ♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Such a beautiful and romantic place to Honeymoon! Your photos are wonderful. So happy for you - a lovely place to begin a lifetime of sweet memories. xx Karen

Red Rose Alley said...

Jess, this is the best honeymoon ever. I loved it all, especially those deer. :)

~mom

Lowcarb team member said...

Fabulous
Fabulous
Fabulous

What a truly lovely place for your honeymoon.
The Butchart Gardens looked superb and the deer and then the whales, a lovely selection of photographs.

Wishing you both many, many happy years ahead

All the best Jan

Carla from The River said...

Oh my, thank you for sharing. I just love how you shared the special meaning of honeymoon! I did not know that.
Love your photos and sending prayers for your marriage.
Carla

Merlesworld said...

What a lovely place I would be happy to spend a month wandering around there.
Merle...........

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Jess,
What beautiful memories you have made.. This was such a gorgeous place to visit. Thank you so much for sharing your honeymoon with all of us.
Yes, I think you should do this every year!
blessings,
Penny

roughterrain crane said...

You have chose the best place for your SWEET honeymoon.

Anonymous said...

What beautiful shots, Jess. We spent our honeymoon in Canada too, east coast, one week in a picturesque mountain ski lodge, and another in several cities. I loved the European feel too, especially in Quebec. I hear the west is gorgeous, and your pictures definitely confirm it. LOVE that suite, and the whales.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Here's to endless honeymoons.
xo

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a perfect place to spend your honeymoon! Surrounded by beauty! WOW! Hugs, Diane

AMANDA GARCÍA SÁNCHEZ said...

PHOTOS FANTASTICS

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jess,

Looks like you had a wonderful honeymoon and I loved seeing your beautiful photos. I loved Vancouver Island and visited there in the 80's.
I also enjoyed visiting the Buchart gardens
Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Gypsy Heart said...

Such a beautiful area ~ so glad you chose that for your honeymoon. I agree, make it a point to return each year! :)

xo
Pat

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

This was indeed a beautiful honeymoon and you are the cutest couple ever!
Keep creating wonderful moments and memories to look back upon and cherish with all of your heart!
xo
Jemma

Celestina Marie said...

What a beautiful honeymoon making special memories. Each photo is a delight. Wishing you much happiness and love always. xo

Unknown said...

What a lovely place to celebrate your honeymoon! Wonderful to be upgraded to that fancy suite. Cheers to you and your new hubby! I think celebrating a honeymoon every year is the best idea. I'm so into travel that I just retired from my career in education and launched a travel agency. I'm going to love setting up romantic trips for my clients. We are just back from Italy and Paris--love the romance of it all.
Have a fun settling in and being newlyweds!!
xx, Heather